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Swert

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Blog Entries posted by Swert

  2. Swert
    For no reason whatsoever, the Staff Survivor game got overrun by BS01 staff?
     
    That'd be hilarious.
     
    Also I just got done with a huge week of work, gluing a commissioned mosaic designed from scratch. I'm tired, but I still have one more day to work on the week alone, and I have to prep for a birthday party with a Technic theme.
     
    Yes, there's some Bionicle in the pack, but not much. We also have almost every Star Wars technic droid set going towards it, too. I've gotta finish repairing the Droideka and the Pit Droid, but the others appear okay (skipping C-3PO and one of the Battle Droids we had.)
     
    Fun times.
  4. Swert

    The 13th Doctor

    By Swert,

    Seriously, given the arguments I'm hearing today, it seems the 13th doctor should be a 10 year old redheaded girl.
     
    That covers -everything- the people wanted in the Doctor right there.
  5. Swert
    This is basically a log of what transpired last weekend for me. Both the good... the bad... and the epic.
     
    On Friday evening, I flew out from Seattle at 11:15 PM PDT. At this point, I was awake since noon. I did not sleep on the flight, and I did not sleep again until 3 AM Sunday morning. I then arrived in Cincinnati around 6 AM EDT. From there, I waited 3 hours til 9:45 AM, where I departed towards Detroit Metro Airport.
     
    Once I touched down and collected my bag, I walked out and met up with Toa Lhikan Hordika (henceforth referred to as "TLH") and Lady Kopaka (henceforth referred to as "LK"). I then got a call out to Avohkah Tamer (henceforth referred to as "AT") and got his ETA for when we can check in at the hotel. From there, we went to TLH's parents' house. For the record, TLH was marrying Turakii (henceforth referred to as "Turakii"... redundant, I know.)
     
    Once there, we ended up with a huge downpour and thunderstorms. I got a photo taken with my phone of the aftermath between myself and TLH:
     
     
     

    We're just a bit damp... just remember that the shirt I'm wearing is LIGHT blue, and that gives you context on HOW damp.

    From there, we went to go meet back up with AT, and enjoy a wonderful day of just getting to know the real us for awhile. This lasted with a group party until like 1 AM. AT and I then went to our hotel room and crashed for 2 hours until sleep.
     
    The next day is where the big stuff happened, really. First off, I woke up and got ready for the wedding. I elected to ride with a fellow wedding attendee (he was at the same hotel as us) so AT could go do other stuff, and we got elected to go pick up a giant gorilla stuffed animal (there's a backstory to it, we shall not be repeating here) for photos for the wedding reception.
     
    This is where things took a negative tumble for a bit.
     
    On the way to the church, we were pulling in on a left turn, and we got smashed in the side by a driver coming from the opposite direction. The short story is we believe he was speeding, and we KNOW he didn't attempt to stop, and I am perfectly fine injury-wise. I have some skin abrasion on my arm, but otherwise I'm just fine.
     
     
     

    The gorilla in the truck, pre-accident. No photo exists of the aftermath, I was too traumatized by it (as you could well imagine).


    Coming from this low, we could only go up from there.
     
    Anyway, wedding happened, then reception, finally got to the end of the evening where AT and I sat and watched YouTube by hooking my laptop up to the HDMI of the hotel TV and tethering to his phone's 4G connection (who needs hotel TV? YOUTUBES!)
     
    The next day, we all arrived at TLH's parents' house to pick up LK and go to the airport. TLH, Turakii, LK and I were flying out that day to respective places, they went to Washington DC, I went to the real Washington. Keeping in mind at this point I was terrified of EVERY SINGLE DRIVER IN MICHIGAN NOT NAMED TLH OR RELATED, this trip to the airport was less than thrilling.
     
    After lunch at the airport, I walked all the way down to the gate I was departing from, after a heartfelt moment of hugs and goodbyes for us. I then snapped a photo of the happy couple before I left.
     
     
     

    Why must she photobomb me when departing? Now I'll never remember her for not being non-photobombing.

    On the flight back, I just cruised by and watched the tops of clouds and lands. It was a memorable flight, and I landed safely (much smoother than the one in Cincinnati, I might add) and took a bus back to Lakewood.
     
    All in all, a wonderful little trip, though I think I made them promise me I didn't have to do the car accident bit over again if I go back that way. It's a shame I couldn't go to BrickFair (I worked the very next day, and Dan's already making sure I won't forget it) but I'm sure everyone going will be happy there.
     
    Plus, I got to witness the beginning of a new chapter for two people. I'll take that over a convention every single time, no questions asked. I'm sure I am not the only one in this mindset.
  6. Swert

    Man, Cincinnati...

    By Swert,

    It's raining like crazy over here.
     
    Oh, and it's 6 AM. I'm still on PDT mindset.
     
    HOORAY FOR REDEYE FLIGHTS!
     
    I'll be in Detroit by 11 AM their local time. So 8 AM my time.
     
    I need a nap x_x
  7. Swert
    Man, this week.
     
    So, tomorrow at around 11:15 PM PDT I fly out towards Cincinnati, where I then wait for 3 hours at 6 AM local time (EDT) to 9 AM to catch a flight to Detroit. From there, I get to meet awesome people and attend a wedding the next day. Wootness to that.
     
    Meantime, since last Tuesday I was working on a megafig version of a wonderful character to build in Lego, that being Iron Man. The chest was a combination of the Mk III Arc Reactor core, plus the Mk VI styling and a hint of Mk. VII detailing. The legs were based on Mk. III. The head was the run-of-the-mill one Lego releases with every Iron Man set so far, excepting War Machine; In other words, Iron Man.
     
     
     
     



    Head needs work, I want to redo the legs (they were done back in April, so I'm not ashamed of that) and the chest should get more black lines. I -love- the use of Xpods for the thruster exhaust on the feet.
     
    And yes, there's plenty of dark red material in it. I ain't even mad.
     
    So there ya go, Iron Man. One of 5 superheroes ready to be displayed (and will be displayed at great lengths).
  10. Swert
    Man, I'm bored. So I updated my blog with new stuff. More Green Lantern related, go figure.
     
    In the real world I am in the middle of summer, so our schedule is down to 3 days a week in the studio. FORTUNATELY I'm busy working on something epic, that being a megafig of Iron Man. I may have described the last four before (Green Lantern, Captain America, The Flash and Logan (Wolverine) in street clothes) so this is a bit more challenging.
     
    For the geeks out there, I'm designing the Iron Man 2/Avengers first-half Mk. VI armor on the torso, with the Mark III/Mark IV legs. The arms are solid dark red, done by another one of the artists. We're also simplifying the design, the back isn't getting as detailed, but the front is heavy in it.
     
    I may recommend changes later on, if we decide to tone down the dark red and make it more yellow (akin to Mark 42) just to give it more color balance.
     
    I'll try to get photos later on, I want to show off the progress as I go. I also desperately want to bring it with me to BrickCon, along with the other four, but it depends on Dan.
  12. Swert
    This is what I've spent my entire time the past month and a half on. We do not have public photos of all the models just yet, but we do have one with a photo of a commemorative model that we are giving away 25 of on our social media page. The requirements involve having a photo of yourself in both the Space Needle observation deck and one of the Willis Tower skyboxes, plus 'liking' our page. (For more information on the model itself, contact me via my email, swertmastra (at) gmail.com)
     
     



    The event goes on starting from June 20th, 2013 til October 20th, 2013 at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. Price of admission is $12 for adults, $5 for Students (with valid photo ID) and free for children aged 12 and under. Thursdays are free admission through June, July and August.
  13. Swert
    Whew!
     
    Okay, so... for the past 6 weeks or so, I've been swamped at work. I've had to build 10 large skyscrapers (4 to 9 feet in height, pure Lego no gluing) plus set up for another show in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (which we handled, the client loved it, they want more work, yay us). This is literally the first night I've had where the next day I get to do absolutely nothing. I'm going to be seeing Man of Steel in the morning. NO SPOILERS KTHX. (Cue the several "HE'S FROM KRYPTON!", "HE'S CLARK KENT" and "HE'S SUPERMAN" replies.)
     
    I'll try to get photos to you guys asap. So far, the exhibit's still being set up down in Florida.
     
    Meantime, I'm just posting here to show up again and assure people I'm still alive. However, I just learned today I missed out on booking a hotel in Seattle for BrickCon.
     
    ... ALL the hotels in Seattle, that is. Guess I'm busing it in every morning.
     
    Great.
  15. Swert
    Life is too crazy, everyone.
     
    So I now have about one month to immediately blitzkrieg build 8 new tall buildings, some Patent models, fix up our Monticello we have, plus some other minor things, then pack them all up and ship them freight to Florida and Michigan.
     
    I am very proud of one of my models, which I will be posting soonish. It's a recreation of the Lego model #10124 Wright Flyer Creator Expert, built in close to 1/2 its scale. My boss was so happy with it, he immediately photographed it and plans to put it on our social media page. I'll be getting that photo later today. I have other photos as well, so I may just make a topic about it instead of a blog entry.
     
    Overall, it's hectic to say the least. At least I've had plenty of chances in the studio to use the new laptop. I'm very much adjusted to W8 now, I can't imagine why there's still holdouts for it.
  16. Swert
    So I'll be honest, this was not a first-day buy for me. I actually had to wait for my money to clear before I could buy it. Basically all I missed out on is the Red Son DLC. Oh well.
     
    I already 100% completed the main story, leaving only the S.T.A.R. Labs missions to handle, plus random battles.
     
    I think right now I favor both Green Lantern and Aquaman (no lame jokes, he's pretty epic in this game) with Nightwing as my third. I haven't had the time to sit down in any capacity to play through every character so far, but I do recall how powerful Nightwing was when I faced him in the story.
     
    So, any XBL players with the game? I'm pretty bored and would love to have sporting challenge (not necessarily today, I'm working D:)
  17. Swert

    What's Krakalin, BZP?

    By Swert,

    No seriously, I honestly have no idea where BMan got the name. So what is it?
     
    Anyway, some things to note, since I feel it's noteworthy:
    BS01's prank was written last-minute on March 31st by a team consisting of Zo'Tomana, Cholie and myself. Kayru and BMan offered input later.
    The prank concept was about a week old. It was literally started up in a conversation between like 5 staff members. We waited until the last minute to post it.
    I actually did my part this time around (though it seems unnecessarily) to lead a misdirection on everyone. If you recall, I had two blog entries related to a 'GL01' concept, between a logo and a suggestion for one. That was the misdirection. It failed, but nobody saw our prank coming anyway. So it succeeded.
    This was the fourth worst thing I could have done. Let that one sink in for a second.
    Alternatively, I could have done the following:
    Faked evidence that Bionicle was returning (I'm seriously glad I didn't do that one, in hindsight.)
    Faked evidence that a new buildables line was coming (I was leaning towards fake Doctor Who, but that required work)
    Posted that I was acquiring BZPower (ALSO glad I didn't do that, in hindsight.)
    So to answer a question I see being asked a lot, none of the answers on the topic were legit. Basically, I sat here in a Skype call and gave 90% of the answers. Input was put in to flesh them out, so at the end I'd say about 30-40% of what you saw was from me.
     
    Oh, and there was also a deleted answer from that list. A question was asked about Jaller transporting back up to the Red Star and returning by Takutanuva. I had a wonderful answer for that I now quote:
     
    "The rest of the story takes place in Jallers head as he dies."
     
    I think this one was a tossup to keep or remove. Obviously the entire list screamed prank, but leaving this one in would have seal it away. BMan decided to remove it. I think it's best we did, but I still feel good to share it.
     
    Now think about that one for a second: 2004-2010, all in Jaller's head as he slips into a coma. I think it'd make for a doozy of a theory, don't you agree?
     
    (I could write a whole blog entry on that one alone, too. I just might.)
     
    Anyway, prank over. Glad you guys enjoyed it. Please forward all pitchfork and torch assaults to my new home, Dorek's house. Kthx.
  20. Swert

    Beware my power...

    By Swert,

    With blood and rage of crimson red...
    This power is mine, this is my light...
    In blackest day, in brightest night...
    In brightest day, in blackest night...
    In fearful day, in raging night...
    Tor lorek san, bor nakka mur...
    For hearts long lost and full of fright...
    The Blackest Night falls from the skies...
    ... [insert White Lantern oath here]...
     
    Yeah, you get the idea.
     
    So, I finally -FINALLY- obtained the last of the Lantern Corps rings and power batteries. There are nine in total. I now proudly display them all on my desk... fortunately not all turned on.
     


    Basically I've proven once again how much of a nerd I am. ... Nothing new. Oh also I have three minifigs on my monitor; Harley Quinn (sister is a huge fan), Deadpool (... dude, why wouldn't you?) and young Han Solo. I should go through and show off my entire minifig collection on my desk alone. I buy too many.
     
    So yeah, now I have them all. I feel somewhat complete no- WAIT, WHERE'S THE HONOR GUARD RING? AND THE FLASH RING? ... AND THE-
     
    RAAAAAAAAAAAGE!
  21. Swert
    So, this is a unique position I find myself in.
     
    On the one hand, I worked almost 4 weeks without pauses. I need a vacation badly. I need time to recharge my mental batteries.
     
    On the other? I spent almost 4 weeks without pauses. I forget how to -relax.- Therefore, I'm sitting here looking at random stuff online, playing music, but it does no good to me unless I go do something. Truly not in the mood for gaming, btw.
     
    ... Maybe Netflix? Suggestions? HALP! D:
  22. Swert

    Resistence is Futile

    By Swert,

    This is what I spent 4 weeks working on.
     
    Four. long. weeks.
     
    And now it's on display at Emerald City ComicCon.
     
    It is only a shame it's up for 3 days and then packed away again. But with luck it'll get enough exposure.
  23. Swert

    Update on Life

    By Swert,

    So, I've had ups and downs the past couple of days, especially concerning work. I'm almost out of the woods, but I've got a lot of work ahead of me there. I hope to have decent photos to show off what hard work I've been doing there.
     
    Meantime, as some of my friends know, I bought a new laptop. My HP died late 2012, like July or August or so, and it left me with no method of creativity throughout the rest of 2012 in a work capacity at work. The new one is a Lenovo, G580 i3 2.5 GHz dual core, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, Windows 8. Now, this is my absolute first experience with the Windows 8 in a finalized form, but I'm already getting used to it, even after only 3 days. It's actually exactly like Windows 7, only with extra large apps that take up my entire screen and a sorry excuse for a Zune replacement (the Xbox Music app is not anything like Zune, it's so bad I actually put Zune back ON here to play music. Even I have faults with some of MS' stuff, people.)
     
    Once I get past the first of March I'll feel much better, it's been pretty stressful for me lately. So, who wants to cheer me up with something? : D
  24. Swert
    Two days ago, I put in the longest work day I've had to put in since I started working for The TbP Group (Dan Parker's company encompassing his commission work, his educational camps and events), namely 16 hours in one huge shift. This blog entry is about that.
     
    What did we do during this lengthy 16 hours, one may wonder? During the 10:30 to 1:00 pm hours, not much. It's when we hit 2:30 up in Seattle, WA that the fun really began.
     

    The event we were at was held at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC. We were in a lounge area on the 5th floor, with a relaxing suite for ourselves on Level 6 (reserved for various partners of the stadium and private suites. We missed out on Vulcan, Inc's box. How sad.)
     

    Inside of our personal suite, we had the accommodations one might expect from a Seahawks game, minus the adult beverages (didn't matter, we had work to do.) Personal note, I would -love- to have that jersey configuration on my wall at home. Etched glass required. Get the newer Sounders jerseys though.
     
    So now you may wonder, "Swert, why are you linking to amazing scenery of CenturyLink Field? And how does this relate to 16 hours of work?"
     
    This.
     

    At the event, we were tasked with building up the nearly six-foot Death Star model we have. This is only the second time we even used this model for an event. It is truly amazing to see it again.
     

    My boss, Dan Parker, poses with the model on a very candid shot I took while finally taking a seat. It took us 5 hours to assemble, and the remainder of the night to midnight Friday morning to finish. After 14 hours of work, we then started taking it all down for two hours, going back the next day early Friday morning just taking the rest down.
     
    It was a truly amazing experience, and I look forward to more to come. In the meantime, feel free to comment on any aspect of the build, including the TechReady 16 logo (That was commissioned for lease, I built the main hexagon logo in less than a day. It wasn't easy, but I got it done.)
  25. Swert
    Hey everyone, I'm happy to announce that HS01 is -finally- ready to upgrade the main page to mimic BS01's in terms of navigation and content.
     
    Aside from some cosmetic changes, the navigation is now fully functioning (or will be when it's posted anyway) and I plan to show off these features in the near future in a blog entry or topic (for both sites, cause apparently nobody uses it on BS01 that I am aware of, simply because nobody knows it's there).
     
    In non BS01 and HS01 news, I get to work five days this week, including an event on Thursday. We're setting up our five foot diameter Death Star and some other minor things for the client, and it's an interactive model. We already have 95% of the model ready to go, we just need to assemble it on site, then work on decorating it. I then help tear part of it down that night, leave it for the next day when we go back up and tear it all down (it's about 4 hours of tear down and proper packing.)
     
    ... Man, I did not realize how busy I'd be until just then x_x
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